The martyr by Anthony Ryan
Name of Book: The martyrAuthor: Anthony Ryan
ISBN: 9780356514598
Publisher: Orbit
Part of a Series: The Covenant of Steel ( THE PARIAH first book, THE TRAITOR ( possible title) upcoming last book)
Type of book: Fantasy, medieval England? Religious figures, behind the scenes, war, manipulations, siege, planning, cleverness, writing, history, past, present, future, little to no magic, secrets
Year it was published: 2022
Summary:
Deadly feuds and ancient secrets spell war in the second novel of The Covenant of Steel, a new epic series of action, intrigue, and magic from a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.
Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.
Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.
Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge
So there are a whole ton of characters in THE MARTYR, but I will talk about ones that really stood out to me. Main character is Alwyn, whom one either loves or hates. He is not charismatic, but is incredibly lucky at finding the required information. He is also sarcastic and has an enjoyable sense of humor. He has his own agenda and is incredibly clever at reading people, getting out of scrapes or rising higher in hierarchy despite the feelings he causes in others. Evadine is a Risen Martyr, a young woman who has a heavy burden of taking care of everyone as well as solving certain dilemma of Covenant and nobility. She is charismatic, attentive, yet manipulative and burdened. Princess Leannnor is also very manipulative as well as connected and loyal. The Widow, a woman who has lost everything also becomes an interesting character in terms of emotions and motivations. Trust me, there are a ton of fascinating and unforgettable characters waiting within the pages.
Theme:
There is a lot of work towards heroism
Plot:
The story is in first person narrative from Alwyn's point of view. Because it's a second book of the trilogy, very little is told and offered about Alwyn's background, but instead we are dumped on when Alwyn becomes an advisor and scribe to Evadine, a Risen Martyr. I do admit that this is a relationship I found the most fascinating: how religious leaders and myths are fashioned, and I can't help but wonder if all leaders had one as "Alwyn" by their sides. I do wish the book could have detailed the religious world a bit more, at least in terms of factions or how does covenant and malecite differ from each other. ( if it was in novel, please tell me chapter or page number I can find information about.)
Author Information:
(From goodreads)
Opinion:
So far I hadn't read the prequel, THE PARIAH, before reading this one, but I can assure the readers of my review that it's definitely a goal now, thus I am starting with THE MARTYR as a blank slate so to speak. At the start, the author provides a letter of sorts that details events of the first book ( quite similar to John Gwynne's HUNGER OF THE GODS, which caused me to skip first novel) and then we move on to the meat of the story, of Alwyn dreaming about Erchel and eventually the readers becoming highly familiar with the world of Alwyn Scribe. It's not a beautiful world, but in fact I would call it weary and battle-worn with narrative focused on battles, sieges and politics between royal classes. Surprisingly the story flows smoothly and the reader will not find themselves bored, for Anthony often adds fascinating and sarcastic and humorous details about Alwyn's observations. Having said all that, any chance the third book will be coming out soon? I am really dying to know what adventures Alwyn will have further.
This was given for review
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
There is a lot of work towards heroism
Plot:
The story is in first person narrative from Alwyn's point of view. Because it's a second book of the trilogy, very little is told and offered about Alwyn's background, but instead we are dumped on when Alwyn becomes an advisor and scribe to Evadine, a Risen Martyr. I do admit that this is a relationship I found the most fascinating: how religious leaders and myths are fashioned, and I can't help but wonder if all leaders had one as "Alwyn" by their sides. I do wish the book could have detailed the religious world a bit more, at least in terms of factions or how does covenant and malecite differ from each other. ( if it was in novel, please tell me chapter or page number I can find information about.)
Author Information:
(From goodreads)
Anthony Ryan was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. He has a degree in history, and his interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.
For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com
So far I hadn't read the prequel, THE PARIAH, before reading this one, but I can assure the readers of my review that it's definitely a goal now, thus I am starting with THE MARTYR as a blank slate so to speak. At the start, the author provides a letter of sorts that details events of the first book ( quite similar to John Gwynne's HUNGER OF THE GODS, which caused me to skip first novel) and then we move on to the meat of the story, of Alwyn dreaming about Erchel and eventually the readers becoming highly familiar with the world of Alwyn Scribe. It's not a beautiful world, but in fact I would call it weary and battle-worn with narrative focused on battles, sieges and politics between royal classes. Surprisingly the story flows smoothly and the reader will not find themselves bored, for Anthony often adds fascinating and sarcastic and humorous details about Alwyn's observations. Having said all that, any chance the third book will be coming out soon? I am really dying to know what adventures Alwyn will have further.
This was given for review
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
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